The Furka Pass is probably one of the prettiest passes in Switzerland. At an altitude of 2,431m, it is the fourth highest after the Umbrail, the Grand-St-Bernard and Nufenen passes. From Oberwald in the magnificent Goms Valley until the summit which straddles the cantons of Valais and Uri, the route passes through Gletsch and then rises, coming flirtatiously close with the Rhone Glacier. The great river is derived from these remote snow melts before crossing the entire canton until Lake Geneva and – then – on to the Mediterranean! It is definitely worth a stop at the restaurant that overlooks this incredible place.
Furka Pass – Legendary Mountain Passes
- difficult
- 16,50 km
- 3 hours
- 1064 m
- 3 m
- start: Oberwald
- destination: Furka pass
Best Season
Good to know
- Cultural Interesting
- Stop at an Inn
Oberwald
Furka pass
The cyclist who tackles the Furka Pass will discover the very edge of the canton of Valais and the source of the Rhone River; the most important river in the canton. The first few kilometres from Oberwald to Gletsch pass through forests and waterfalls on this road that eventually leads to Andermatt and the canton of Uri. After passing through Gletsch, the road climbs with a long straight hugging the side of the mountain before beginning to meander into curves. On the left, the Rhone Glacier is spectacular, and will leave you daydreaming despite the effort. The last kilometres to the summit become less steep, giving you a break to ponder over the views of the Uri Alps and the Saint-Gotthard Massif.
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Strictly respect the Swiss traffic rules. Please note that you are running the tour at your own risk and all liability is refused. Please be considerate to plants and animals. For your own safety, wear an helmet every time you ride a bike. Emergency numbers: 144 Ambulance / 117 Police / 1414 Helicopter Rescue (Rega).
We recommend: bike in excellent working order, helmet, gloves and bell, clothing suitable for the weather (always carry a waterproof), food and drink.
Have a rest at the Belvédère hotel and visit the ice cave inside the Rhone Glacier.
From Brig, follow the cantonal route 19 "Furkastrasse" for 40km until you arrive in Oberwald.
Parking at the train station in Oberwald, follow the local car park routeing.
Frequent CFF train connections from all over Switzerland to Brig, then MGB (Matterhorn Gotthard Bahn) train or bus to Oberwald.
Brochures: Road Cycling Map
SwissTopo Maps 1:25'000: 1250 Ulrichen